Welsh Rugby Player Handed Lengthy Ban After Positive Test For Cocaine Use

An 11th Welsh rugby player has been handed a ban for a doping offence.

Shaun Cleary, who played hooker for Maesteg Harlequins, has been suspended from all sport for two years by the National Anti-Doping Panel after testing positive for cocaine. He was tested after a pre-season friendly on August 18 between the Harlequins and Bridgend Ravens and his ban will run from September 11 last year to September 10 2017.

Cleary admitted the violation immediately but wanted to avoid punishment on the grounds that he was not at fault, a report by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) reveals. The player told how he enjoyed a night out in Maesteg after a game on August 15 during which he drank alcohol and took cocaine on ‘a few occasions’.